Abstract: ObjectiveTo deter min the pathogen of serious epidemic of influenza occurr ed in Shenyang area in 1996 and 1998,and for establishing rapid and sensitive method of diag nosis of influenza.MethodsThroat swabs were collected from the patients who were suspected to have influenza,and influenza virus gene was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCT)after short culture in MDCK cell.ResultsPositive rate of influenza virus A was 60% in 1996 and 83% in 1998.Influenza virus A was considered to be the pathogenic agent of epidemic in 1996 and 1998.ConclusionRTPCRmethod after short cell culture was the best way for diagnosis of influenza.